Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
170. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why the machines for the new deposit return scheme are twice the price in Ireland that they are in other European countries; if he sees this as an issue; if he envisages this will hinder uptake by retailers in installing these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3541/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Regulations place obligations on retailers to charge their customers a deposit for every in-scope drink sold, to take back the empty drink container and to refund the deposit when it is returned for recycling.
In providing a take-back service, retailers have two options - manual (over the counter) collection or automated collection through the use of reverse vending machines (RVMs).
The procurement of RVMs is a purchasing decision for each individual retailer. Retailers may source RVMs from outside Ireland provided they meet the RVM specification published by Re-turn, the DRS operator. Having conferred with Re-turn, the scheme operator, I have not seen evidence of any significant price differences between Ireland and other European countries.
